Band:	In Mourning
Album:	The Weight Of Oceans
Style:	Melodic death metal, Progressive metal
Release date:	April 2012

01. Colossus
02. A Vow To Conquer The Ocean
03. From A Tidal Sleep
04. Celestial Tear
05. Convergence
06. Sirens
07. Isle Of Solace
08. The Drowning Sun
09. Voyage Of A Wavering Mind

When it comes to metal if there is one thing I appreciate it's when a band manages to not only fit their music to an idea or a point of focus but make it a bloody enjoyable listen in doing so. Everything from the exceptionally well executed oceanic theme of In Mourning's latest release to the album's title, which matches not only this theme but lets you know exactly what kind of experience you're in for, and displays a clear sense of direction and understanding for where the band want to take their sound.

As unrelenting and inevitable as the incoming tide the melodic death riffs drench with the crushing force of waves in a sea storm. These are best represented in the heavy hitters like "A Vow To Conquer The Ocean", which shifts from Amon Amarth-like barrage into the elongated and slower paced progressive melodies and back again, "Convergence" and the comparatively shorter "Isle Of Solace." The album is geared more towards this driving kind of melodic death riffery interconnected with clever guitar work which somehow manages to evoke aquatic imagery in a unique way. An example is the album highlight "From A Tidal Sleep" with shimmering riffs and passages, particularly in the introduction, which go a long way to connecting with the overarching theme.

The quieter moments don't fail to impress either with "Celestial Tear" boasting some soothing clean vocals and the piano break of "Sirens" offering a reprieve before the storm of the final three tracks of the album.

The only drawback is the considerable tendency to fall back on repetition, perhaps taking too long to extend beyond that one riff or melody, at moments holding onto them more than necessary. Despite this the transitions and changes in melody are executed adeptly, and tracks like the excellent "The Drowning Sun" manage to be somewhat repetitive yet shifting at a pace that allows for flow.

Remarkably well produced, strong songwriting and an impressive display of musical ability are all bolstered by this album's clear and central aim. A must hear album for melo-death and prog fans alike.